Title
A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute and administer the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Colorado Springs and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) for construction costs associated with the Spine Road Project.
Presenter:
Mike Chaves P.E., Engineering Manager
Body
Summary:
The attached resolution will authorize the Mayor to execute the IGA between the City of Colorado Springs (City), the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA). The IGA commits up to $1,000,000 from the PPRTA to pay 50% of the construction costs for the Spine Road Project.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The City would like to construct a roadway (Spine Road) to provide a connection between North Nevada Avenue and Stanton Road. This roadway would be a two-lane road with bike lanes and a stormwater quality pond that will allow the existing intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Nevada Avenue to function more effectively. This connection will also address safety issues for citizens living in the adjacent Eagle Rock neighborhood, students on the UCCS campus, pedestrians, cyclists, and those traveling by passenger vehicle.
When the North Nevada Transportation Corridor Study was conducted, an analysis of the Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Nevada Avenue intersection showed that it was operating at a Level of Service (LOS) F. In response, the City began looking for efficient ways to remove some of the pressures on the existing intersection. Widening the intersection, moving utilities, and acquiring rights of way to add turning lanes proved very costly, so those alternatives were not pursued further.
At the same time, the residents in the Eagle Rock community brought about concerns of safety due to the volume and speed of cut-through traffic on Stanton Road within their neighborhood.
The neighborhood is a rural setting with narrow roads, roadside ditches and no sidewalks. Residents and students frequently walk along the sides of the roads. In response to those safety concerns, on October 9, 2018, the City closed this road to through traffic by installing a gate on the north end of Stanton Road. The closing of this route has forced additional campus traffic to use the Austin Bluffs and Nevada intersection, including the UCCS shuttle buses, thereby further decreasing the functionality of the intersection. It has also forced emergency vehicles to drive through the narrow residential roadways and use a key card to open the gate.
It was recognized by the City that Spine Road would take pressure off of the intersection and be a less expensive option when compared to the aforementioned intersection improvements. Additionally, as we look for innovative ways to complete projects, such as leveraging partnerships, the City approached UCCS to discuss participation in this project. UCCS has agreed to collaborate with the City, pay for half of the project costs, and donate all of the necessary property. UCCS will also maintain the stormwater quality detention pond.
In February 2019, UCCS received a low bid of $1,775,000 for the project. At the April 10, 2019 meeting, the PPRTA Board approved paying for half of the cost, not to exceed $1,000,000, for the Spine Road. At the June 12, 2019 meeting, the PPRTA Board approved entering into an IGA with the City and UCCS to partially fund the Spine Road project.
Financial Implications:
This project will be fully funded by PPRTA and there is no impact to the City’s General Fund.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
On April 10, 2019, the PPRTA Board approved spending up to $1,000,000 toward the project. On June, 12, 2019, the PPRTA Board approved entering into an IGA with the City and UCCS.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the attached resolution.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A